Prosecutor pushing for prison time for man accused of HVAC thefts at Neon Sign Museum
This image released by The Dalles Police Department shows Tyson and Chandra Trezona being arrested on Dec. 21, 2024 outside their home at 2426 W. 13th Street in The Dalles after being secretly indicted on charges of stealing HVAC equipment from the National Neon Sign Museum.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Jan. 15, 2026 — Wasco County prosecutors intend to seek prison time for Tyson Trezona, a local man that stands accused of stealing HVAC units with his wife, Chandra, from the National Neon Sign Museum in downtown The Dalles.
Trezona, 35, entered not guilty pleas in 9 separate criminal cases during the Jan. 12 hearing before Wasco County Circuit Court Judge Marion Weatherford.
Neighbors on West 13th Street say the alleged crimes and repeated police activity shattered what had long been a quiet, working-class neighborhood, leaving residents feeling violated in their own homes. Several told CCCNews the disruption went beyond property loss, describing months of fear, sleepless nights, and constant vigilance as suspicious activity, late-night traffic, and frequent law enforcement visits became routine. Some residents said they installed security cameras and alarms, changed daily habits, and stopped letting children play outside, believing the sense of safety they once took for granted had been fundamentally damaged.
The emotional toll, neighbors said, was compounded by the length of time the situation persisted and the perception that it continued despite multiple arrests and court actions. Several residents said they felt trapped between wanting accountability and fearing retaliation for speaking out, while others chose to move away altogether. The presence of warning signs, police raids, and repeated allegations of theft contributed to what neighbors described as a sustained sense of violation, not only of their property but of their trust in the stability of the neighborhood they had known for years.
The Trezona Home at 2426 W. 13th Street as seen from the street one year ago.
On Monday, Judge Weatherford asked whether the parties anticipated a settlement conference, but Davis said she was uncertain one would occur because prosecutors are not willing to offer probation for the alleged crimes.
Davis told the court that Chief Deputy District Attorney Caleb Berthelsen has no intention of resolving the cases without prison time, while Trezona’s defense attorney, Louis Grossman, is seeking probation only.
Berthelsen said during a July release hearing that Trezona is facing 38 months in prison if convicted.
Weatherford scheduled a status hearing for Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m. to address trial dates and determine whether any settlement conference was held.
The hearing comes after Trezona completed a residential treatment program at Milestones Family Recovery in Corvallis in November, a condition of his conditional release granted last summer over objections from prosecutors and multiple victims.
In a letter submitted to the court on behalf of residents of West 13th Street, neighbors said the alleged crimes and activity connected to the Trezona household left lasting emotional harm and fear in the neighborhood.
“The feeling of safety that once defined our community has been replaced by apprehension and distrust,” the letter stated.
Residents also described hesitation to speak publicly, writing, “The community is apprehensive to speak up for fear of retaliation. We feel the neighborhood and victims are not being heard.”
The letter raised concerns about Trezona’s repeated opportunities for rehabilitation and uncertainty following his return to The Dalles.
Court records show that Trezona committed similar property crimes in California before his move to Oregon and these most recent allegations.
“We all believe everyone deserves a second chance but this will be his 4th, 5th or even 6th chance,” the letter from neighbors states. “Since he has been home from rehab it has been quiet but we are all on edge just waiting for the shoe to drop.”
Neighbors described noticeable changes since Trezona entered treatment, writing, “We all see the younger kids are no longer residing there and it has been much quieter. No more cars racing up and down the road revving their engines as they pass by houses of individuals they know spoke out against them.”
The letter concluded, “I don’t speak for all but I know I speak for most. We want our neighborhood back.”
In a written notice dated Nov. 6, Judge Weatherford acknowledged receiving multiple community letters and authorized Trezona to submit any apology letters through his attorney to the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office, which may distribute them as it deems appropriate. The court also allowed both parties to stipulate whether any statements made could be used in future proceedings.
Trezona remains subject to multiple no-contact orders involving individuals and properties tied to the cases, including the National Neon Sign Museum and nearby residents.
The cases remain pending.
